Disgruntled Lakers likely to bring some attitude to January rematch at The Q: Cavaliers Insider

Jae C. Hong / Associated PressFrustrated by the Cavaliers' growing lead in the fourth quarter and the ejection of Lamar Odom, Lakers fans disrupted Friday's game by throwing giveaway foam hands onto the court late in Cleveland's victory.LOS ANGELES -- As with any good heavyweight battle, sometimes the best event is the rematch.

That may prove true with the Cavaliers and Lakers. They didn't exactly stage a classic Christmas Day at Staples Center, but certainly built up some bad blood for the next meeting. That will take place Jan. 21 at The Q, and it might be a good idea to clear the calendar for that Thursday night.

The Lakers made it clear they felt victimized a bit by the officials and they, and their fans, responded with some harsh words and actions.

Meanwhile, at least in the eyes of some of the Cavaliers, the Lakers got so frustrated by the defense that they began tossing what certainly looked like cheap shots.

Jae C. Hong / Associated PressKobe Bryant was reduced to pleading with referees after being called for a foul in the final quarter Friday, as Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams high-five and await the ball.Most directly, some players felt Kobe Bryant took a cheap shot at Mo Williams in the third quarter. With Williams leading a run and scoring 12 consecutive points, Bryant came from behind him while the Lakers had the ball and slammed him to the ground without making a play on the ball or looking to try to get position. Williams went down hard, injuring his lower back, and the Cavs had to call timeout to allow him to recover.

"We got under their skin, we were flying around, guys weren't making shots," Williams said. "You always want to see our opponent get frustrated and do something out of character."

Team officials declined to comment but it is expected they will ask the league to review Bryant's actions on that play. He has been fined and suspended in the past for dirty plays.

Then in the fourth quarter, Derek Fisher flattened Williams on a drive to the basket and then was assessed a technical foul for complaining to officials.

Moments later, Bryant openly shoved LeBron James about 25 feet from the basket and the Cavs up 20 points. It was clearly an intentional foul and James and some Lakers exchanged words.

"It was a very testy game for both teams," James said. "It was very physical and that is the way it has to be when two good teams collide."

In the middle of all that, Lakers forward Lamar Odom was ejected for arguing with officials and trash talking with Anderson Varejao. Williams was then assessed a technical foul when he jawed back at Odom, openly challenging his manhood.

The Lakers then were hit with another technical foul for delaying the game when coach Phil Jackson wouldn't send in a substitution for Odom after he went to the locker room. Odom has been ejected twice this season.

In the midst of all of that, the crowd flung foam fingers, the Christmas giveaway, and even some water bottles down on the court.

The home team and home fans were upset with the Cavs' defense, which was physical and allowed by the referees. Bryant was slapped with a technical foul because he believed he was being fouled by help defenders. Especially after a hard collision with Shaquille O'Neal.

"We attacked the rim, just didn't get the benefit of the doubt today," Bryant said.

Mo bruised: On the road trip, Williams had to be helped to the bench three different times. In Dallas he took an elbow that gave him a fat lip. In Sacramento he banged knees and needed a trip to the locker room. Then Friday he took a shot from Bryant and cracked his back on the court.

"I'm glad I have a long flight home," Williams said. "I need the treatment."

Great trip for Varejao: Varejao had a highly productive road trip. In the four games he averaged 10.3 points and 7.5 rebounds while making 16 of 30 shots. Against the Lakers he had nine points and rebounds in 33 minutes.

Dribbles: The Cavs won despite giving up a season-high 25 second-chance points and allowing 14 offensive rebounds. ... They also had 19 turnovers and James tied a season-high with seven. ... The Cavs are 36-7 over the last two seasons against the Western Conference after going 3-1 on the road trip.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.